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Table of Contents Table of Contents Product Overview............................................................... 3 Package Contents.......................................................................... 3 System Requirements.................................................................. 3 Introduction.................................................................................... 4 Features.............................................................................................
Section 1 - Product Overview Product PackageOverview Contents D-Link DWA-181 AC1300 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Nano USB Adapter Quick Installation Guide CD with drivers and software System Requirements • • • • A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port Windows® 10/ 8.1/ 8/ 7 CD-ROM Drive A 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.
Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The AC1300 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Nano USB Adapter (DWA-181) delivers powerful wireless AC technology to your desktop or notebook computer. Simply plug the adapter into an available USB port and connect to a wireless network to access a secure, high-speed internet connection – 2.4 GHz (400Mbps) or 5 GHz (up to 867Mbps). And with integrated Dual Band technology, you’ll have reduced Wi-Fi interference to maximize throughput for faster streaming, gaming, and Skype calls.
Section 1 - Product Overview Features • IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a compliant • Dual band N technology for use in 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz networks • Wireless AC wave 2 technology for superior wireless performance • Access secure networks using WPA™ or WPA2™ • Small USB design * Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput.
Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview 1 1 USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-181 to your computer.
Section 2 - Installation Installation This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in the device manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter, please make sure any software is uninstalled.
Section 2 - Installation Disable Other Wireless Adapters Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conflicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters). From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down the list and click the + sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Section 2 - Installation Click Yes to disable the adapter. When the adapter is disabled, a down arrow or a grayed icon will be displayed. Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you would like to use the adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable.
Section 2 - Installation Wireless Installation Considerations The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within the operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, may limit the range.
Section 2 - Installation Adapter Installation Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-181 adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD. Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-181 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\autorun.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). When the autorun screen appears, click Install.
Section 2 - Installation The welcome window will appear. Click Next to continue. Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. Click Install to continue. If the Found New Hardware Wizard pops up, click Cancel in that new window.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® 10 To connect to a wireless network using Windows 10, you will need to know the wireless network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password (security key) of the device you are connecting to. 1. To join an existing network, locate the wireless network icon in the taskbar, next to the time display and click on it. Wireless Icon Clicking on this icon will display a list of wireless networks which are within range of your computer.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network 2. To connect to the network, click Connect. To automatically connect when your device is in range, click the Connect Automatically check box. Your computer will now automatically connect to this wireless network whenever it is detected. 3. You will then be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password (network security key) for the wireless network. Enter the password into the box and click Next to connect to the network.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® 8.1/ Windows 8 1. Click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). 2. A list of available wireless networks will appear. 3. Click the wireless network (SSID) you want to connect to and then click Connect. 4. If the network is secure/encrypted, enter the Wi-Fi password (security key) and click Next.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network 5. Click either to enable or disable file sharing. 6. You will now be connected to your wireless network. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, confirm the encryption by reviewing the profile or check the TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® 7 If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility. or Left-click the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button.
Section 5 - Wireless Security Wireless Security This section will show you the different levels of security you can use to protect your data from intruders. The DWA-181 offers the following types of security: • WPA/WPA2-Personal • WPA/WPA2-Enterprise What is WPA™? WPA™, or Wi-Fi® Protected Access, is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
Section 6 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-181. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems. The examples below are illustrated in Windows® 7. If you have a different operating system, the process on your computer will be similar. 1. How do I know if my adapter is installed properly? Go to Start > Computer (right-click) > Properties.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-181 USB Adapter. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link DWA-181 USB Adapter Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. Click OK to continue.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting 2. The computer does not recognize the DWA-181 AC1300 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Nano USB Adapter. Make sure that the DWA-181 AC1300 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi Nano USB Adapter is properly seated in the computer’s USB port. If Windows does not detect the hardware upon insertion of the adapter, make sure to completely remove drivers that were previously loaded. 3. The computer with the DWA-181 installed is unable to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting Check that the Network Connection for the wireless client is configured properly. Select AP (Infrastructure) when connecting to an access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click on Configuration to change the settings for the wireless adapter. If Security is enabled, make sure that the correct encryption keys are entered on both the DWA-181 and the access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click Encryption.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Wireless Basics D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link wireless family of products will allow you to securely access the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics What is Wireless? Wireless or Wi-Fi technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency to connect wirelessly, so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or office network. Why D-Link Wireless? D-Link is the worldwide leader and award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking products. D-Link delivers the performance you need at a price you can afford.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Who uses wireless? Wireless technology as become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it’s for home, office, business, D-Link has a wireless solution for it. Home • Gives everyone at home broadband access • Surf the web, check email, instant message, and etc.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Where is wireless used? Wireless technology is expanding everywhere not just at home or office. People like the freedom of mobility and it’s becoming so popular that more and more public facilities now provide wireless access to attract people. The wireless connection in public places is usually called “hotspots”.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Wireless Modes There are basically two modes of networking: • Infrastructure – All wireless clients will connect to an access point or wireless router. • Ad hoc – Directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer. An Infrastructure network contains an access point or wireless router. All the wireless devices, or clients, will connect to the wireless router or access point.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Networking Basics Check your IP address After you install your new D-Link wireless adapter and have established a wireless connection, by default, the TCP/IP settings should be set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (i.e. router) automatically. To verify your IP address, please follow the steps below. • Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. You may need administrative access to run this application.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Statically Assign an IP address If you are not using a DHCP capable gateway/router, or you need to assign a static IP address, please follow the steps below: • Click on Start > Control Panel (make sure you are in Classic View). Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center icon and then click on Change adapter settings. • Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your D-Link wireless network adapter which will be connected to your network.
Appendix C - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Standards • IEEE 802.11ac • IEEE 802.11n • IEEE 802.11g • IEEE 802.11b • IEEE 802.11a Bus Type • USB 2.0 Security • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA™ & WPA2™) Power Consumption • Min: 167 mA • Max: 338 mA Operating Humidity • 10% to 90% maximum (non-condensing) Storage Humidity • 5% to 95% maximum (non-condensing) Dimensions • 20.2 x 14.9 x 7.1 mm (0.80 x 0.59 x 0.28 in) Weight • 2.21g Certifications • CE • FCC • IC Operating Voltage • 5.
Appendix D - Regulatory Information Regulatory Information Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Appendix D - Regulatory Information Note: The country code selection is for non-US model only and is not available to all US model. Per FCC regulation, all Wi-Fi product marketed in US must fixed to US operation channels only. RF Frequency Requirements: This device is for indoor use only when using all channels in the 5.150 GHz - 5.250 GHz, 5.250 GHz - 5.350 GHz, 5.470 GHz - 5.725 GHz, 5.725 GHz - 5.850 GHz frequency range. High power radars are allocated as primary users of the 5.150 GHz - 5.250 GHz, 5.
Appendix D - Regulatory Information (iv) Users should also be advised that high-power radars are allocated as primary users (i.e. priority users) of the bands 5250-5350 MHz and 56505850 MHz and that these radars could cause interference and/or damage to LE-LAN devices.
Appendix D - Regulatory Information potential for interference. • This device is a 2.4 GHz wideband transmission system (transceiver), intended for use in all EU member states and EFTA countries, except in France where restrictive use applies. This device may not be used for setting up outdoor radio links in France and in some areas the RF output power may be limited to 10 mW EIR P in the frequency range of 2454 –2483.5 MHz.
Appendix E - Contacting Technical Support Contacting Technical Support Before you contact technical support, please have the following ready: • Model number of the product (e.g. DWA-181) • Hardware Revision (located on the label on the adapter (e.g. rev A1) • Serial Number (s/n number located on the label on the adapter). You can find software updates and user documentation on the D-Link website as well as frequently asked questions and answers to technical issues.
Appendix F - Warranty Warranty Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, D-Link Systems, Inc. (“D-Link”) provides this Limited Warranty: • Only to the person or entity that originally purchased the product from D-Link or its authorized reseller or distributor, and • Only for products purchased and delivered within the fifty states of the United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. Possessions or Protectorates, U.S. Military Installations, or addresses with an APO or FPO.
Appendix F - Warranty Limited Software Warranty: D-Link warrants that the software portion of the product (“Software”) will substantially conform to D-Link’s then current functional specifications for the Software, as set forth in the applicable documentation, from the date of original retail purchase of the Software for a period of ninety (90) days (“Software Warranty Period”), provided that the Software is properly installed on approved hardware and operated as contemplated in its documentation.
Appendix F - Warranty • After an RMA number is issued, the defective product must be packaged securely in the original or other suitable shipping package to ensure that it will not be damaged in transit, and the RMA number must be prominently marked on the outside of the package. Do not include any manuals or accessories in the shipping package. DLink will only replace the defective portion of the product and will not ship back any accessories.
Appendix F - Warranty IF ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED IN ANY TERRITORY WHERE A PRODUCT IS SOLD, THE DURATION OF SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY COVERED UNDER THE LIMITED WARRANTY PROVIDED HEREIN, THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY, SELECTION AND PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT IS WITH THE PURCHASER OF THE PRODUCT.
Appendix F - Warranty Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Appendix F - Warranty Industry Canada statement: This device complies with RSS-210 of the Industry Canada Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Appendix G - Registration Registration Product registration is entirely voluntary and failure to complete or return this form will not diminish your warranty rights.
